Legendary jazz and blues artist Georgie Fame opens this year’s Jazz Jurassica festival in Lyme Regis with what promises to be the start of a musical extravaganza over the Bank Holiday weekend.

This year’s busy line up includes the iconic James Taylor Quartet, funky diva Liane Carroll and local rising star, saxophonist Fliss Gorst with her swing band. There’ll also be hours of free music on the seafront and around the town showcasing local talent, as well as music charity, BSharp’s annual Busking Festival.

Festival organiser, Julie Sheppard, said: “The Georgie Fame concert sold out in two weeks which shows just what a legend he is. We’re still pinching ourselves that he agreed to open for us this year.

"But there’s much more. James Taylor Quartet will bring a driving cocktail of beats, breaks and funk. Liane Carroll is sublime – if you enjoyed Ruby Turner last year, you’re going to love Liane. "Bolt your chairs to the floor for another uplifting performance.

"Fliss Gorst’s Swing Band, led by ex-Woodroffe student Fliss, has swing and sequins stitched into their souls. They also feature two sensational vocalists, Lauren Bush and Shane Hampsheir. So the party starts on the Friday night with an hi-energy evening of jumpin’ jives and swing sensations.”

Elsewhere in the town, the cool latin sambas of Annika Skoogh will bring a hint of Copacabana to Lyme’s latest eatery, Swim, for Sunday Brunch, with views over Lyme Bay.

Meanwhile, at Mariners Hotel, La Vie en Rose bring their energetic style of gyspy jazz – all slapstatic bass, hot fiddles and swinging guitars – to an afternoon BBQ in the hidden gem of the hotel’s garden.

Julie added:“ The free festival on the seafront this year delivers incredible quality and variety – we’ve got soul, funk, latin, swing and even reggae jazz (yes, really). The main thing is – just come along, enjoy the music, the vibe and the town’s iconic setting. We’re really looking forward to our most successful weekend yet!”

*Jazz Jurassica – Lyme’s festival of jazz, Thursday May 24 to Monday, May 28. See jazzjurassica.co.uk for more information. Tickets can be bought from Lyme Regis Tourist Information Centre or by phone on 01297 442138.